WEST FRANKFORT, Ill./PORTAGE - Leslie Lawrence "Les" McAlpin, 62, of West Frankfort, Ill., died Wednesday, June 24, 2009, at Divine Savior Extended Care.

Leslie was born Aug. 17, 1946, in Elgin, Ill., the son of Nahmon and Lenore Kernan McAlpin. Les liked to get a rise out of anyone he could; he was definitely a practical joker. His smile and laugh will be missed greatly but never forgotten. A very simple man, he loved his family, fishing, a good Western and his dogs, "Tuko" and "Foxy Girl." On March 15, 2009, he lost the love of his life, Carolyn, "the wind beneath his wings." He truly wanted to be with her and our Lord. His wish was granted June 24, 2009. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather.

He is survived by his son, Brian (Julia) McAlpin of Portage; his daughter, Stacie Madsen of Union Grove; grandchildren, Demiree, Joshua, Jeremiah and Jacob; stepdaughter, Carla Sandfor of West Frankfort, Ill.; stepson, John Riddle of West Frankfort, Ill.; his brother, Leroy McAlpin of South Dakota; his sister, Jean Ann McAlpin of DeKalb, Ill.; his nephews, Donald "Shorty" Underhill, Jamie Ruthford and Brad Ruthford; other near relatives and many close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Carolyn, and his sister, Colette Jensen.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage, with Father Jim Murphy presiding. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage.

The family would like to extend a sincere thank-you to Divine Savior Extended Care.